Retirement
Non-Qualified Annuities: Saving Without Limits
WoodmenLife non-qualified annuities can provide options to help you save for retirement. The non-qualified annuity is funded with post-tax dollars, which can help reduce your taxable income when you retire and will grow tax-deferred.
Annuities 101 – WoodmenLife Video
Are you thinking about purchasing an annuity? Discover how annuities work and how they can help you save for retirement.
Tax-Deferred Retirement Saving1
When saving for your later years, non-qualified annuities offer you the potential for tax-deferred earnings and a steady flow of income after you retire.
Qualified vs Non-Qualified Annuity?
What is the difference between a qualified and non-qualified annuity? There are a few differences and similarities between qualified and non-qualified annuities.
Qualified is just IRS language for funding with pre-tax dollars, meaning the contribution itself could qualify for a tax deduction, lowering taxable income. When you take a distribution from a qualified annuity, the entire distribution amount (contributions and earnings) is subject to ordinary income taxes.
A non-qualified annuity is funded with after-tax dollars, meaning you have already paid taxes on the money before it goes into the annuity. When you take money out, only the earnings are taxable as ordinary income.
Plus, you can purchase a non-qualified annuity regardless of whether or not you are covered under a retirement plan at work or if you have a Traditional IRA or Roth IRA.
Comparing Qualified and Non-qualified Annuities
Here is a more complete list of the similarities and differences between qualified and non-qualified annuities:
Qualified Annuities | Non-Qualified Annuities |
Tax-deferred contributions and earnings | Tax-deferred earnings |
Penalty for early withdrawal | Penalty for early withdrawal |
Invest pre-tax dollars | Invest after-tax dollars |
Individual must have earned income | No earned income requirement |
IRS Contribution limits | No IRS contribution limits; WoodmenLife limits contributions to $25,000 per year |
In most cases, withdrawals must begin by age 72 | No federal withdrawal rules, but there could be state laws |
Non-Qualified Tax Advantages
An additional income stream when you retire
Earnings grow tax-deferred until withdrawn2
Longer age limits on contributions
No Required Minimum Distributions at age 72
Retirement Considerations
You also need to consider how you will receive your non-qualified annuity proceeds at retirement. Typically, annuitants do this in one of three ways:
A lump sum payment – could result in significant tax liability, especially if it moves you into a higher tax bracket
Fixed payments for life
A fixed amount for a certain period of time
Choosing one of the “fixed payment” alternatives spreads the tax liability over time, because only the earnings are taxed.
Connect with WoodmenLife
A local WoodmenLife Representative can help you choose the best retirement products for where you are in life.
Disclosures
WoodmenLife, its employees and Representatives are not authorized to give tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to seek advice from their own tax or legal counsel.
You may be subject to income tax on all or part of the amount withdrawn. In addition, you will pay a 10% federal income tax penalty on earnings you withdraw before age 59 1/2, unless you qualify for an IRA penalty exception.
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